Does Alexa work with Spectrum cable?

When it works, there is a magical feeling that Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant gives you. However, using it as your TV remote control involves some knowledge, since it may not understand everything you want.

Through several smart speakers, Alexa can control various Smart TV models – including Spectrum. You can use it to do activities like changing the volume levels, channels, and so much more. While the learning curve seems steep, it brings plenty of rewards when you can take advantage of your device’s full capabilities.

Spectrum and Alexa work well together, although you will need a Logitech Harmony hub to integrate the two systems since Spectrum and Alexa do not have a direct integration system.

To set up the Logitech Harmony hub system

With many smart TVs, Alexa cannot control them directly – so having a Logitech Harmony smart hub is a great way of easing the integration process. This case also applies to Spectrum, as you may experience issues with trying to integrate your Spectrum cable system to Alexa, and the Harmony hub will change the method you use to control the entire setup.

Here is a breakdown of what you need to set up the system, as well as Alexa and your Spectrum cable devices.

Buy a Harmony Hub and position it correctly

The first place to start is getting a device that comes with the Amazon Alexa system, such as an Amazon Echo or Amazon Echo Dot. The Amazon device is not controlling the Spectrum cable TV but acts as a bridge between Alexa and the Logitech Harmony Hub.

The Harmony Hub controls your Spectrum TV and other home entertainment products you will set up in the system. You can use various Logitech remotes with the Hub, though you need to ensure they are compatible with Alexa.

When positioning the Logitech hub, ensure you place it where there are no obstacles and preferably close to the home entertainment center. Additionally, install a wired IR blaster if your Spectrum devices are inside a closed cabinet (the blaster comes with the Hub), especially if you want the signals to reach other devices.

Program the Harmony setup

Unless you tell the Harmony that you have a Spectrum TV or devices you want to control, Alexa will not know they exist – so you need to do so in this step.

To start, download the Harmony app from the Android Play Store or iOS App Store, and set up your Harmony account. You should add your Spectrum TV, additional devices, and some ‘basic’ activities you can test the system on.

Note that the Harmony hub will control the general activities your devices are doing, instead of controlling specific devices and telling them what to do. For instance, it may combine all activities into ‘Watch TV’, and will direct your Spectrum TV to do so – the TV will automatically switch on, set the HDMI input, and alert Alexa to know you are in control of the volume. Once you add Alexa to the system, you will need to test all activities you want it to control.

Additionally, you need to name your favorite channels in the Harmony App. Ensure that you have a Watch TV activity, and then click on ‘Settings’. Scroll to the ‘Harmony Setup’ menu, then ‘Add/Edit Devices & Activities’, and then select ‘Favorites’.

Set up the Amazon Echo/device

This step allows you to add voice commands through Alexa. Ensure your Amazon device is away from your speakers and TV, since Alexa may not hear your instructions when the volume is considerably loud. The Harmony firmware may also need some updates for smoother functioning and integration.

Download the Alexa app if you haven’t, as you will need to install the Harmony skill inside it. To do this, select the ‘Skills’ tab in the Alexa app. Scroll to get the ‘Harmony’ option, and select the ‘Harmony’ skill that has a blue logo. Using the credentials from your Harmony account, log in.

Before you complete the skill set up, create some ‘friendly names’ for each device and channel you want to control and ensure that they are easy for Alexa to understand. The system will not allow you to change them afterward without reinstalling the entire skill, so ensure you complete this step.

Once you finish, here are some basic instructions you can use to test the system:

General instruction
Specific details
Changing the volume
Alexa, mute

Alexa, volume down/up

Changing channels
Alexa, channel down/up
Setting a specific device as the entertainment center
Alexa, turn on the TV (or its friendly name)

 

Switching off the TV
Alexa, turn off the entertainment center

Conclusion

Integrating Alexa to your Spectrum TV may not be a direct process, but it is rewarding once you do so as long as you have a Harmony Hub.

FAQs

Does Alexa work with Spectrum TV?

Yes, it does. You can access the TV provider setting in Alexa’s settings under the ‘TV Schedule’ menu.

Can I use Alexa to change channels on Spectrum?

Yes, you can. Alexa can control several smart TV models through its voice commands – including Spectrum and Echo Dot TVs. These commands can include adjusting volume and changing channels, as well as other functions.

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